I have recently noticed leakage near the base of my water heater. This was after a weeks vacation. At about the same time, I noticed the hot water was brown, which quickly went away (day or two).

I assumed the tank was leaking, but on the outside of the heater it says that this model is meant to operate with lower internal metal temperature than other models and you should not assume that it is leaking-it may be condensation.

So.....how do I know? A direct vent heater alone is $400 and over $500 installed even if I do it myself.